Cammy Bell considers it “positive” to have Raskin available for the Rangers
According to Sports.
Context
Nicolas Raskin, a 25-year-old Belgian midfielder, is seen as a differentiating element for Rangers. After having played many minutes in international competitions, his inclusion could be decisive for the team's performance in the UEFA Europa League. Raskin's fitness will be closely watched given his short rest period before the start of the new season.
Why this matters
Nicolas Raskin's presence is crucial for Rangers, especially after a shaky start to the season. The positive impact he can have in midfield is vital for the team as they seek a favorable result in Poland to facilitate the second leg at Ibrox. A solid performance in this UEFA Europa League tie could help restore confidence and stabilize the Scottish club's season.
Main conclusions
- Cammy Bell considers it “positive” to have Raskin available for the Rangers.
- Cammy Bell praises Raskin's impact and calls for a positive result in Poland; Halliday points to reinforcements after Rangers' shaky start.
- Raskin availability 'positive' for Rangers - Bell - Yahoo Sports.
Nicolas Raskin's availability for Rangers' clash with Jagiellonia Bialystok is “positive for Rangers”, says former Ibrox goalkeeper Cammy Bell. The 25-year-old Belgian midfielder could make his first official appearance of the season on Thursday, in Poland, in the first leg of the 3rd qualifying round of the Europa League.
Speaking to the BBC's Scottish Football podcast, Bell highlighted Raskin's competitive weight and what his presence can add to the Scottish team in this European start. According to the former player, Raskin arrives after having played many minutes in recent stages for top teams and, therefore, brings pace and quality that Rangers need to capitalize on in Bialystok. Bell stressed, however, that the exact physical condition of the midfielder, who had just a few weeks off, is still unknown, but highlighted the expectation of seeing him with minutes as it is a differentiating element: “You don't play for Belgium if you're not a good player”, he noted.
For Cammy Bell, the meeting in Poland is of high strategic importance: a positive result away from home would facilitate the task in the second leg, at Ibrox, and would help to stem the current of negativity generated by the start of the season, marked by the 1-1 draw against Dundee United. The former number 1 stresses that Rangers “really have to get through” this tie to stabilize the season and keep the European plan intact.
Raskin's future was also a topic: although he highlights the Belgian's immediate relevance, Bell admits the possibility that the player could leave before the market closes, even considering that a possible transfer would involve a significant amount of money. Still, the message for the present is clear: as long as Raskin is on the roster, the Rangers should use him, especially in a game with so much at stake.
The conversation on the podcast also brought the vision of Andy Halliday, former Gers midfielder, who considered that the stumble at Tannadice exposed deficiencies in some areas of the pitch and ended up accelerating the response in the market. On Wednesday, the club confirmed the signing of Japanese winger Daisuke Yokota, formerly of Hannover, and Halliday believes that the movement will not stop there, admitting that Rangers are still looking for three or four more wingers and that they have already submitted proposals for some of these targets.
The opponent, Jagiellonia Bialystok, current Polish champion, promises a demanding test at home, with the support of a fervent public. For Rangers, who aim to guarantee their presence in the group stage of the Europa League, taking an advantage – or at least a result that leaves the tie open – to Glasgow is crucial. The European experience of the Scottish team and the possible inclusion of Raskin in midfield could be assets to control the rhythm of the game and create superiority between the lines.
With two legs to decide and the second scheduled for Ibrox, emotional management and effectiveness in the final third emerge as key factors. Rangers are trying to turn the page on their irregular start to the championship and take a firm step forward in Europe; Raskin could be the right piece at the right time for the Glasgow team.
What happens next
With Raskin expected to play, Rangers will need to adopt an attacking approach to secure a positive result. The match against Jagiellonia Bialystok is an opportunity for Rangers to show their strength and prepare the ground for the second leg. Success in this tie is essential to maintaining the club's UEFA Europa League aspirations and avoiding a crisis of confidence following the recent draw.
Frequently asked questions
How important is Raskin's presence for the Rangers?
Raskin's presence is considered positive for Rangers, as he brings pace and quality, essential for the start of the European campaign.
When is the next Rangers game?
Rangers' next game is against Jagiellonia Bialystok on Thursday, in the first leg of the 3rd qualifying round of the Europa League.
What was the result of the Rangers' last game?
Rangers' last game ended in a 1-1 draw against Dundee United.
How could Raskin's presence impact the Europa League table?
A positive result in Poland would help Rangers stabilize the season and maintain their European plan
intact, positively impacting the table.
What is Raskin's physical condition before the game?
Raskin's exact fitness is unknown as he has only had a few weeks off, but he is expected to play.